Verizon vs Cricket: Who Should You Go With?

Trying to choose between Verizon and Cricket Wireless? Verizon delivers elite 5G speeds, unmatched coverage, and feature-packed plans, but at a premium price. Meanwhile, Cricket—an MVNO running on AT&T’s network—keeps things simple with affordable, no-contract plans designed for budget-conscious users.

So, which one actually gives you the best deal? We’re comparing pricing, perks, and performance to help you make the right call. Let’s get into it.

Quick Overview

Verizon

Since entering the wireless industry in 2000, Verizon has cemented its place as one of the top three carriers in the U.S. Known for its expansive 4G LTE and growing 5G coverage, Verizon covers over 70% of the country, making it a strong choice for both city dwellers and rural users who need reliable service.

Compare Verizon to other Carriers

• Spectrum Mobile, a Verizon MVNO, provides affordable plans exclusively for Spectrum Internet customers.
• AT&T, a top U.S. carrier, offers reliable nationwide coverage and fast 5G connectivity.
• Boost Mobile, a T-Mobile and AT&T MVNO, offers budget-friendly plans with nationwide 5G coverage.
• Cricket Wireless, an AT&T MVNO, provides affordable plans with reliable nationwide coverage and 5G access.
• US Cellular, an independent carrier, offers reliable coverage and fast 5G with flexible plans nationwide.

Cricket

Cricket Wireless offers budget-friendly plans, including unlimited data options, making it a solid choice for cost-conscious users. Powered by AT&T’s expanding 5G network, Cricket delivers reliable coverage and clear call quality, ensuring a smooth experience for subscribers with compatible devices.

Coverage & Network Options

Verizon: The extensive 4G LTE network makes it a top choice for rural areas and road trips, reaching places where other carriers struggle. While its 5G coverage isn’t the largest, it delivers fast speeds in supported areas, excelling in gaming, voice apps, and video streaming. Verizon’s coverage spans most of the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands—check Verizon’s coverage map to see if it’s the best network for you.

You can zoom in and out of the map and type in your own address so you can see how well your area is covered, here’s a look at Verizon’s coverage map:

Although not completely captured in the screengrab, Verizon offers coverage in the majority of the United States along with parts of Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Virgin Islands. To see what coverage looks like in your city, click here to view the full Verizon Coverage Map.

Cricket: Runs on AT&T’s network, offering strong 4G LTE and 5G coverage in urban and suburban areas, with decent reach in rural locations. However, service may be limited in remote regions. Urban users get fast speeds and clear call quality, while suburban areas benefit from less congestion. Before switching, check Cricket’s coverage map or compare it to Verizon’s for a better look at 5G availability in your area.

Customer Support Experience

Verizon: Provides reliable customer support through phone, live chat, and its website, making it easy to get help when needed. The My Verizon app simplifies account management, bill payments, and troubleshooting on the go. Customers can also access an online help center and community forums for quick answers. While in-store support is limited, Verizon’s digital tools and 24/7 assistance ensure you’re covered whenever you need support.

Cricket: Offers customer support through phone, live chat, and in-store assistance, making it easy to get help when needed. While service is generally reliable, wait times may vary. For quick solutions, Cricket’s online support center provides FAQs, troubleshooting guides, and account management tools, giving users a convenient way to handle issues without waiting on a representative.

Data Speed & Performance

​Visible: Gives priority speeds to premium users, meaning faster data during busy times. If you’re on an unlimited plan, you won’t hit a hard data cap, but if you use a ton of data, you might notice slower speeds in crowded areas or peak hours. It’s Verizon’s way of keeping things fair for all users, but heavy streamers and gamers could feel the slowdown when traffic spikes.

Cricket: Runs on AT&T’s powerful network, delivering nationwide coverage you can count on. But if you're on a lower-tier plan (like the 5GB or 10GB options), expect slower speeds during busy times. Some users also report dropped calls or reduced call quality when the network gets congested. Once you hit your data cap, speeds take a serious dip, making these plans less ideal for heavy data users.

Plan Details: Finding the Right Fit

Verizon Plans

myPlan Unlimited Ultimate

This top-tier plan provides unlimited premium data every month, ensuring consistently fast speeds even during busy network times. It includes 60GB of premium hotspot data, with speeds slowing after the limit is reached. The plan also features international talk, text, and data, making it a perfect choice for frequent travelers.

Cost: $85/month, or $75 with Autopay
Pros: Unlimited premium data, 60GB of hotspot data, international talk, text, and data
Cons: Hotspot speeds reduce after 60GB
Best for: Heavy data users and international travelers who need premium connectivity

myPlan Unlimited Plus

This plan is ideal for users seeking unlimited premium data at a lower price point. It includes 30GB of premium hotspot data, with speeds slowing after the limit. International texting is covered, but international talk and data are not included.

Cost: $75/month, or $65 with Autopay
Pros: Unlimited premium data, 30GB of hotspot data
Cons: No international talk or data, limited hotspot allowance
Best for: Data-heavy users who don’t require international talk or data

myPlan Unlimited Welcome

This budget-friendly option offers unlimited deprioritized data, which may slow during periods of heavy traffic. While it doesn’t include hotspot access by default, users can add 100GB of hotspot data as an optional feature. With discounts for multiple lines, this plan is an excellent choice for families.

Cost: $70/month, or $60 with Autopay
Pros: Unlimited data at an affordable rate, add-on hotspot option
Cons: Deprioritized data during high traffic, no included hotspot access
Best for: Cost-conscious users or families seeking unlimited data without hotspot requirements

Family Discounts

Verizon offers substantial savings on family plans, supporting up to 12 lines per account. Adding four or more lines reduces the cost of the myPlan Unlimited Welcome plan to just $25 per line per month, making it a great option for families looking to cut down on mobile expenses.

Cricket Plans

Unlimited + 15GB Hotspot

Cricket Wireless’ Unlimited + 15GB Hotspot plan includes unlimited premium data and 15GB of mobile hotspot data, delivering consistent high-speed performance throughout the month. This is particularly important for users who need to share their mobile data connection with other devices. After reaching the 15GB hotspot limit, speeds are deprioritized but remain unlimited. This plan also comes with an ad-supported Max tier and 150GB of cloud storage, adding extra value.

Cost: $60/month (before $5 Autopay discount)

Pros: Dedicated hotspot data, premium data access, additional features like cloud storage

Cons: Hotspot speeds slow after 15GB

Best for: Heavy data users who want premium service and added perks

Unlimited

The Unlimited plan provides unlimited deprioritized data, meaning no hard speed cap but potential slowdowns during network congestion. While hotspot access isn’t included, you can add 10GB of hotspot data for an additional $10/month. It’s ideal for users with moderate to heavy data needs who don’t rely heavily on hotspot usage.

Cost: $55/month (before $5 Autopay discount)
Pros: Unlimited data with optional hotspot add-on
Cons: Hotspot access not included in base plan
Best for: Heavy and average data users

10GB Plan

This plan offers 10GB of full-speed data, with speeds reduced to 2G after reaching the cap. It’s suitable for light browsing, messaging, and basic app use, though streaming and gaming require Wi-Fi. Hotspot access isn’t included, making it a budget-friendly choice for lighter data users.

Cost: $40/month (before $5 Autopay discount)
Pros: Full-speed data for 10GB
Cons: No hotspot access, limited data for high-usage activities
Best for: Light data users who rely on Wi-Fi for heavier tasks

5GB Plan

With 5GB of full-speed data, this plan is ideal for minimalists who primarily use Wi-Fi. Speeds drop to 2G after reaching the limit, and hotspot access isn’t included. It’s a simple, no-frills option for those with basic data needs.

Cost: $30/month (no Autopay discount)
Pros: Affordable entry-level plan with full-speed data
Cons: No hotspot access, limited data
Best for: Light data users with reliable Wi-Fi access

Family Plan Offerings

Cricket Wireless offers multi-line plans with discounts for families, accommodating up to five lines on a single account. These plans include features like high-speed data, unlimited talk and text, and perks such as international coverage. Families can share data efficiently while keeping costs manageable, making it a practical option for households with multiple users.

Best for: Families seeking an affordable, shared-data solution

Bottom Line

Go with Verizon if you want top-tier 5G speeds, premium perks, and reliable coverage everywhere—especially if you travel frequently or need high-speed hotspot data.

Choose Cricket if you want affordable, no-contract plans with solid reliability on AT&T’s network. It’s best for those who don’t need premium perks but still want unlimited data at a lower price.

Both carriers have strong offerings, but it all comes down to whether you prioritize premium features or budget-friendly pricing.

Additional Features

Verizon Perks

• International Coverage – Select plans include talk, text, and data in Canada and Mexico.
• Cloud Storage – Backup photos and files with Verizon’s cloud storage options.
• Streaming Benefits – Some plans include Disney+ or Apple Music, adding extra value.
• Security Features – Verizon ActiveArmor helps block spam calls and enhance security.

Cricket Perks

• Cloud Storage – Get 150GB of cloud storage with select unlimited plans.
• Wi-Fi Calling – Make calls over Wi-Fi when cell signal is weak.

Final Verdict: Which Carrier Suits You Best?

Go with Verizon if you want top-tier 5G speeds, premium perks, and reliable coverage everywhere—especially if you travel frequently or need high-speed hotspot data.

Choose Cricket if you want affordable, no-contract plans with solid reliability on AT&T’s network. It’s best for those who don’t need premium perks but still want unlimited data at a lower price.

Both carriers have strong offerings, but it all comes down to whether you prioritize premium features or budget-friendly pricing.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I bring my own phone to Verizon or Cricket Wireless?

Yes, both Verizon Wireless and Cricket Wireless allow you to bring your own phone, as long as it's unlocked and compatible. You can verify compatibility using each carrier’s SIM card tool. If needed, Cricket sells affordable Cricket phones for customers looking for a new device.

2. Do Verizon or Cricket Wireless offer international roaming?

Verizon’s postpaid plans include international calling and roaming in Canada and Mexico, with additional options for global travel. Cricket offers international roaming as an add-on perk, but its coverage areas are more limited compared to major carriers like Verizon. If frequent travel is a primary concern, Verizon provides better coverage and flexibility.

3. Which carrier has better coverage—Verizon or Cricket?

Verizon, one of the big three carriers, has the best coverage in the U.S., especially in rural areas. Its coverage map shows strong 4G LTE and 5G availability, ensuring excellent coverage in most locations. Cricket, as a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) on AT&T’s network, performs well in urban and suburban areas but may experience weaker signal strength in rural regions compared to Verizon.

4. How do Verizon and Cricket handle billing cycles and payments?

Verizon customers on postpaid plans follow a monthly billing cycle with Auto Pay discounts. Cricket operates on a prepaid model, meaning customers pay upfront each month. Prepaid brands like Cricket don’t require credit checks or contracts, making them a great option for those looking to save money on a phone plan without long-term commitments.

5. Which carrier is better for families—Verizon or Cricket?

Verizon’s postpaid plans allow up to four lines or more with multi-line discounts. Cricket offers family discounts on prepaid plans, but since it’s a prepaid provider, customers must pay upfront for each line. Verizon’s Disney bundle and other perks, like premium data, make it a better option for families seeking high-speed connectivity with added entertainment benefits.